Peru receives first shipment of US-donated UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters
As reported by Seguridad y Defensa Noticias on November 9, 2024, Peru received the first three of nine Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the United States, as reported by Seguridad y Defensa Noticias. This transfer is part of a U.S.-Peru government-to-government agreement finalized on August 13, 2024. The helicopters, painted in a bright gray color scheme with burgundy trim, appear to have previously been operated by the U.S. Department of State (DoS).
One of the helicopters displays the number ‘027’ on its stabilizer, identifying it as the former U.S. Army UH-60A 88-26027, which was previously designated N678YP under DoS operation. This identification suggests that all nine helicopters may have been in DoS service, although further confirmation is required.
The Peruvian Congress approved the donation on October 28, 2024, with 74 votes in favor out of 95, following a formal request submitted on October 3. The donation consists of nine upgraded UH-60A+ Black Hawk helicopters, currently in Lima with the Peruvian Air Force. They are scheduled to be transferred to the Peruvian National Police (PNP) as part of U.S. assistance aimed at supporting Peru’s counter-narcotics efforts.
The Foreign Relations Committee of the Peruvian Congress had approved the agreement earlier, on October 28, with 18 votes in favor, one against, and one abstention. Legislative Resolution N° 9122/2024-PE, which authorized the donation, was presented to Congress in alignment with Peru’s National Multisectoral Policy to Combat Organized Crime 2019-2030 and the National Policy Against Drugs to 2030. Congresswoman Auristela Obando Morgan, the committee chair, noted that integrating these helicopters into the PNP’s Aviation Directorate aligns with the Ministry of the Interior’s strategic goals in counter-narcotics operations.
Discussions around the transfer of U.S. helicopters to the PNP began in June 2018, initially focusing on a proposed donation of 15 UH-1H Huey II helicopters. Subsequent negotiations with the U.S. Embassy considered various configurations and quantities, culminating in a revised proposal from the Peruvian Ministry of the Interior in August 2023 for 24 UH-1H helicopters. In January 2024, the U.S. Embassy informed the Peruvian government that the 24 UH-1Hs would be decommissioned, offering instead a package of nine UH-60 Black Hawks, including training for 14 Peruvian crews, support equipment, tools, and spare parts. The finalized agreement was signed on August 13, 2024.
The program for integrating these helicopters into the PNP includes a five-year transition period, with the United States providing Peru with support in maintenance, training, contractual assistance, and quality control. A Joint Aviation Working Group will coordinate monthly on the Black Hawk program, including monitoring minimum flight hours. After this period, Peru will assume full ownership and insurance responsibilities for the helicopters. The estimated annual program cost, including operations and maintenance, is $20 million. Peru’s financial contributions will progressively increase from $4 million in the second year to the full $20 million by the fifth year, at which point it will assume the program’s entire cost. Additionally, Peru will establish a supply chain to maintain the helicopters in accordance with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary.
This agreement, which awaits final approval, is based on the provisions of articles 56 and 102.3 of the Peruvian Political Constitution governing international treaties, as outlined in the October 3 letter submitted by President Dina Boluarte, Council of Ministers President Gustavo Adrianzén, and Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer. The helicopters are intended to enhance Peru’s capacity to respond to a range of operational needs, with applications in military, rescue, and tactical support contexts.